CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

If the pedicles appear too far posterior on the vertebral bodies in an oblique L spine view, what does this indicate?

1. Optimal obliquity was achieved

2. Too much obliquity

3. Insufficient obliquity

4. Tube angulation was incorrect

The correct answer is: Too much obliquity

When the pedicles appear too far posterior on the vertebral bodies in an oblique lumbar spine view, this indicates that there was too much obliquity during the positioning of the patient. In an ideal oblique view, the pedicles should be well-defined and centered on the vertebral bodies. If they are positioned too far back, it suggests that the patient was rotated more than necessary, which results in an exaggerated angle of obliquity. Achieving the correct amount of obliquity is crucial for accurately visualizing the lumbar spine structures, including the facet joints and intervertebral foramina, as this alignment affects the diagnostic quality of the images. Therefore, recognizing that excessive rotation leads to misrepresentation of the anatomy is essential for proper imaging technique in radiography.